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International Students

Study permits, done right from day one.

A study permit application is the start of a much longer journey for most international students — toward a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and often toward permanent residence. We help you choose a PGWP-eligible program and avoid the documentation mistakes that cause refusals.

Master's PGWP Length
3 years
Even for programs shorter than 2 years
PAL Requirement
Often exempt
Most graduate (master's/PhD) applicants since Jan 2026
Degree Programs
No field-of-study limit
Bachelor's, master's, PhD bypass CIP code rules
PGWP Application Window
180 days
After confirmation of program completion
The Real Goal: PGWP Eligibility

Choosing the right program matters more than people think.

Not every Canadian program leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Picking an ineligible institution or program is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes international students make.

Degree Programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD)

  • No field-of-study restriction — your CIP code doesn't need to appear on any shortage list
  • Master's graduates qualify for a 3-year PGWP, even if the program itself was under 2 years
  • Language test still required for most PGWP applications (CLB/NCLC 7)

Diploma & Certificate Programs

  • Must be on IRCC's eligible CIP code list at time of application — this list is frozen for all of 2026
  • Lower language bar (CLB/NCLC 5) but the field-of-study filter is the bigger risk
  • Program must be at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), at least 8 months long
  • Programs delivered by a private college on behalf of a public one are largely no longer PGWP-eligible, with limited grandfathering
Why this matters: you can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime. Choosing the wrong program or institution can close off your study-to-PR pathway entirely — we verify PGWP eligibility before you apply, not after you've already enrolled.
What Changed Recently

2026 study permit landscape.

Our Process

From offer letter to study permit.

1

Program & Institution Check

Before you commit, we confirm your chosen program is on a Designated Learning Institution's list and PGWP-eligible for your field of study.

2

Document Preparation

Letter of acceptance, proof of funds, PAL (if required), and a clear statement of purpose tailored to your situation.

3

Application Submission

We submit through the IRCC online portal and track your file, responding quickly if biometrics or additional documents are requested.

4

Planning Your PGWP

Before you graduate, we map out your PGWP application timeline — including the 180-day application window — and your longer-term PR pathway.

Common Questions

Study Permit & PGWP FAQ

Will my college diploma qualify me for a PGWP?

It depends on whether your program's 6-digit CIP code is on IRCC's current eligible list. We check this before you commit to a program — confirming after enrollment is far riskier than confirming before.

I'm doing a 1-year master's — do I still get a 3-year PGWP?

Yes. Since February 2024, eligible master's graduates qualify for a 3-year PGWP regardless of how short the program was, as long as you meet all other PGWP requirements.

Can I work while studying?

Most full-time international students can work off-campus up to the hours permitted under their study permit conditions, and on-campus without additional restriction. Work placements required by your program now fall under your study permit directly as of April 2026, without needing a separate co-op permit.

What happens if my study permit expires before I get my final grades?

You may need to apply to restore your status. We help you plan around this so you don't end up out of status while waiting on transcripts or convocation.

Related Pathways

What usually comes next.

Get Started

Make sure your program actually leads where you think it does.

A free consultation, no obligation — just a clear, honest read on your options.

Book a Free Consultation
Figures and program details reflect publicly available IRCC information as of mid-2026 and are provided for general guidance only — not legal advice. Confirm current details with your consultant before relying on any number here.